Iowa Congressman Endorses Edwards

As the Democratic Iowa Caucus turns into a three way dead heat between Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards, the first endorsement came out today from Iowa's congressional delegation.

Freshman Demcorat Bruce Braley, who represents Iowa's First District centered around Dubuque, Davenport and Waterloo, endorsed John Edwards.

Braley says of Edwards;

“Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people,” Braley said in a statement released by Edwards’s campaign. “John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has the most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas.”

The rest of Iowa's delegation; two other Democratic House members, two Republican House members and Senators Tom Harkin, a Democrat, and Chuck Grassley, a Republican, have yet to endorse.

Braley's endorsement comes as Marc Ambinder states that Edwards has the best organization on the ground in Iowa. Ambinder notes that the campaign has trained "at least two precinct captains in more than 87 percent of caucus precincts statewide. Generally, campaigns don't release this kind of info, but in Edwards's case, it reinforces the case made by rival campaigns privately: if the caucuses were held tonight, based on organization alone, Edwards would probably win."

Iowa is much of a tossup as a tossup could be.

Debate Open Thread

No, I didn't watch it

Well, I watched a piece of it...I like Wolf Blitzer, but he seems to think he's doing a simultaneous interview on The Situation Room instead of moderating a debate.

Clinton bounced back, although I don't think she did that bad last time minus the immigration question. I don't think any of these guys can debate, which scares me when they're up against the bloodthristy bastards on the GOP side. I feel like Giuliani will tear these guys apart and the idiot population will buy his crap.

I'm worried.

Clinton Dominates In FLOHPA

Hillary Clinton is leading Rudy Giuliani in the ever important FLOHPA states. (FLorida, OHio, PennsylvaniA)

Quinnipiac University polls find Hillary Clinton leads Giuliani in Florida by 3%,; 46%-43%.
Clinton leads Giuliani in Ohio by 6%; 46%-40%
Clinton leads Giuliani in Pennsylvania by 6%; 48%-42%

Most surprising, Hillary Clinton has a deep and solid voting bloc; 74% of her supports in Ohio say they are unlikely or not likely at all to change their minds. That number is 59% in Florida and 56% in Pennsylvania.

What interest me the most in this poll? Giuliani only narrowly beats Obama in Pennsylvania and Florida, is essentially tied with Edwards in Pennsylvana and Florida and loses to everyone in Ohio.

If the FLOPHA goes Democratic next year, the Republicans can't possibly hold the White House.

Easier To Get In To Get Out

"I think it's hard to project four years from now," said Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois in the opening moments of a campaign debate in the nation's first primary state.

"It is very difficult to know what we're going to be inheriting," added Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

"I cannot make that commitment," said former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.

I think we all need to be resigned to the fact that President Bush got us into something that's not going to be very easy to get out of.

Elizabeth Edwards: I'm Comfortable With Gay Marriage

Elizabeth Edwards did what no other Democratic or Republican presidential candidate or spouse of him, including her own husband, still hasn't. She has publically endorsed the idea of gay marriage.

“I don’t know why someone else’s marriage has anything to do with me, I’m completely comfortable with gay marriage.”

Few marriages are as rock solid as the Edwards'. If they don't feel threatened by gay marriage, no one else should either.

Presidential Race: All Over The Place

The common consensus seems to point to a Clinton vs. Giuliani race as they are the frontrunners, right?

wrong?

When you look at the race state by state...It's all over the map...literally.

On the Democratic side, John Edwards has consistently held a small lead in the first caucus state of Iowa, Hillary Clinton is comfortably ahead in New Hampshire, Barack Obama has opened out in front in South Carolina and Bill Richardson is looking to pull off an upset in Nevada.

On the GOP side, John McCain appears to be doing well in Iowa...and only Iowa, Mitt Romney has staged a surge in New Hampshire, Fred Thompson, assuming he's running, is out in front in South Carolina, while Giuliani still holds a lead in Florida.

Although Iowa, New Hampshire, and the rest are early, they don't mean everything in this race. In 1992, Tom Harkin won Iowa and Paul Tsongas won New Hampshire and Bill Clinton ended up winning. Steve Forbes came in second in Iowa in the GOP race in 2000.

However, with the primary season altered completely this year, there is little chance for a candidate blown away in the early states to resurge as a certain former Arkansas Governor did in 1992.

Still, it's far from a certain Hillary vs. Rudy race.

Democratic Debate Part Deux

The Second Democratic Debate on CNN in New Hampshire didn't surprise me at all. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts on what I saw;

-Hillary Clinton drives me crazy. I'm scared of her blowing the election for the Democrats. I think she's too polarizing to be the Democratic standard bearer. Yet, everytime she gets up there, she sounds so presidential. She doesn't hurt herself at all. Occasionally, she even helps. She makes me think; "You know, if you weren't Hillary Clinton, you'd be running away with this."

Still, there is something that tickles me wrong about her, but I like her more as a candidate than I did when she announced.

-Obama did well tonight. Again, if he was the second term Governor of Illinois, he'd be running away with this, no matter what his race.

-Edward's Iraq rant annoyed me a bit. He voted aye on the war resolution and did not read the report, yeld scolded Clinton for doing the same thing and not apologzing. I'm glad he apologized, but it doesn't make it ok to scold those who didn't.

-Biden showed his expertise, especially on foreign policy. To be honest, I think he'd make a good VP now

-Richardson got off to a slow start and never recovered. I don't think he hurt himself, but he sure didn't help. I love Bill, but I'm tired of hearing "As Governor of New Mexico..." We know you're Governor of New Mexico, thanks.

Notes on the Democratic Debate

-Why can't Hillary Clinton just answer a question. I agree with her points, but just answer the question. Do you agree with Reid or not?
-"Not a game show, not a win or loose" Good explanation from Biden
-Kucinich is right about one thing; Congress has no obligations to give President Bush anything, yet I still disagree about funding.
-Richardson's plan is a hard sell, but it's specific, it's a plan and it's logical.
-"This administration treats diplomacy as if it were a gift to our opponents, a sign of weakness, not a sign of strength"- Dodd-i l gets a key soundbite.
-Mike Gravel will apparently play the role of the frustrated liberal in this race. Still, his advice to the Democratic Senators is one you would hear from a Senate alumnus. Still, Senator Gravel, they don't need you, they got Robert Byrd. He's a manual.
-Clinton keeps stating the obvious
-I like Senator Clinton, she's my Senator, I gladly voted for her, but I feel like she's too Party and not enough Person. I'm not so sure I want someone in the White House who's allegiance is more to the his/her party. Isn't that what we have now?
-Senator Biden CAN be a man of few words, and he has a wit.
-Gravel frightens me
-Clinton really scores some points with me in how she responsed to why people hate her. She is surprisingly strong.
-Obama is right, bring the focus off the divisive abortion issue and bring it on the issues everyone agrees on; reducing teenager pregnancy, adoption etc.
-Dennis Kucinich had a gun...really?!?!
-Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush 43 were ALL Governors, so, yes, Richardson should remind everyone that he, unlike everyone else, IS a Governor.
-Message to Obama, he asked about the Confederate flag, you already talked about black infant mortality.
-"Mistakes about Health care and believing a President" I like a person who can admit his/her mistakes, good job Hillary.
-People, what does one sentence mean to you?
-"We have no important enemies." Senator Gravel, I hate to bring this up, because I don't like to dwell on it, but, hello, 9/11, people aren't going to agree with you with 9/11 in mind.
-I totally agree with Edwards on education in the Middle East. Education is the biggest reason Islamic fundamentalism exists.


There were no fireworks, no battles, no tension, although Gravel attempted to create it, not even really a clear winner in tonight's debate.

There didn't need to be. The Democrats were all united on the major issue that will definite whether one of them will inhabit the White House from 2009 until at least 2013...Iraq.

With a vast majority, nearly a super majority of the country opposed to Iraq and disapproving of President Bush, everyone wins by taking shots are him and his leadership and the way the war is going.

The Democrats have not yet perfected the art of laying out plans, but they seem to be getting at it. The fact is now that the public is paying attention to them and dismissing Republican plans as failures, the Democrats now have the oportunity to actually convince people their plans work, and they need to start doing that soon.

Right now the 2008 race will be another tight one, but if they get their act together and put forth good and specific plans, they can easily seal the deal and win a Presidential landslide for the Democrats not seem since 1964.

Edwards Beats Everyone

Maybe it's just a bounce of sympthany after his wive's recurrance of cancer.

Or maybe the Republicans are REALLY in deep caca

John Edwards, #3 in the polls for the Democratic nomination, is leading ALL Republican candidates;

Edwards- 49%
Giuliani- 43%

Edwards- 50%
Fred Thompson- 36%

Earlier polls showed Edwards to be leading everyone else;

Edwards- 47%
McCain- 38%

Edwards- 55%
Romney- 29%

If Edwards is ahead, I can't wait to see where Obama is. I'd be amazed if Clinton too is ahead of everyone.

Democratic Candidates React to Virginia Tech Massacre

The top Presidential Candidates all responded today in the wake of the tragedy at Virginia Tech this morning.

Here is what they've said, thanks according to CNN. I am especially struck by Senator Edwards' statement;

Sen. Joe Biden, (D-Delaware): "Today's horrific events at Virginia Tech have shocked us all. There are few comforting words in such senseless times as these. Our humble thoughts and prayers go out to the victims' families and loved ones. We will grieve as a nation together with all those affected by this terrible tragedy." (Issued statement)

Sen. Hillary Clinton, (D-New York): "I am shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech. My prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the students, faculty, and community devastated by these gruesome killings. As a parent, I am filled with sorrow for the mothers and fathers and loved ones struggling with the sudden, unbearable news of a lost son or daughter, friend or family member. This tragedy is still unfolding and I hope as a nation we can come together and keep in our thoughts all those affected as we learn more about the events which took place this morning." (Issued statement)

Sen. Chris Dodd, (D-Connecticut):"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech earlier today. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the families of those who lost love ones." (From campaign Web site)

Former Sen. John Edwards, (D-North Carolina); "We are simply heartbroken by the deaths and injuries suffered at Virginia Tech. We know what an unspeakable, life-changing moment this is for these families and how, in this moment, it is hard to feel anything but overwhelming grief, much less the love and support around you. But the love and support is there. We pray that these families, these students, and the entire Virginia Tech community know that they are being embraced by a nation. There is a Methodist hymn that gave us solace in such a moment as this, and we repeat its final verse here, in hopes it will help these families, as it helped us:'

In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing,
in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see

.

'Our dearest wish is that this day could start again, with the promise of these young people alive. Knowing that cannot be, our prayer is for God's grace and whatever measure of peace can be reached on this terrible day." (Issued statement)

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois)- "There are going to major tragedies that we hear about as we heard about today at Virginia Tech and I can only imagine what its like for parents who still can't get in touch with their kids from all over the country. We pray for them." (During a campaign event in Chicago)

Gov. Bill Richardson, (D-New Mexico) "On behalf of all New Mexicans, Barbara and I extend our condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific tragedy. This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the Virginia Tech community as it grieves this loss." (Issued statement)

The BIG News on 2008 Fundraising

As if it wasn't surprising enough that Barack Obama nearly outraised Hillary Clinton and apparently did on campaign cash, or that Mitt Romney was the top fundraiser in the GOP, the creme de la creme, so the speak, of the fundraising surprises is that the Democratic candidates outraised the Republican candidates...not just barely, but by a 2 to 1 margin.

The Democrats raised $80 million to the Republicans' $40 million. Up until the last election, the GOP always had a huge advantage in fundraising, which allowed them to have an advantage over the Democrats in ad buys and ultimately the election. Now, the Democrats have the money advantage.

Interestingly, three of the top five fundraisers are Democrats. Clinton and Obama rank out #1 and 2, followed by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. GOP "frontrunner" Rudy Giuliani only raised as much money as third place Democrat John Edwards, who rank out the top five.

The $25 Million Dollar Man

Most had suspected Barack Obama to come in second in the fundraising race. It was almost impossible and it would have taken a miracle for him to come in first.

Still, falling only one million dollars below the former First Lady and twice elected Senator from New York is absolutely amazing. It debunks the whole theory that Clinton is running away with the nomination.

Obama received money from 100,000 donors, $23.5 million of the $25 million raised is strictly for the primary. Hillary hasn't released her amount for the primary, leading to the possibility that Obama will actually technically be on top in fundraising.

With Edwards gaining on Clinton in New Hampshire and leading in some polls in Iowa, this is clearly a three-way race. With Romney topping the GOP money race, it's anyone's guess anymore who the nominees will be.

Like I said, it's not over until it's over. Remember Howard Dean and Gary Hart?

Half Don't Like Hillary

In today's edition of my banter; Why Hillary Clinton SHOULD NOT Be the Democratic Nominee for President, I present to you the latest Harris Poll.

50%, that's right 50% say they won't vote for Hillary in 2008. While I'm not sure I believe that the number is true, it does prove that a huge number of Americans don't want to vote her.

The number includes 21%...again 21% of Democrats. She is not liked by married women (voters she needs to win) and elderly voters.

I said it before...and I'll say it again, Hillary Clinton IS NOT the best candidate for President. Just because she's a Clinton does not make her Bill...it makes her Bill's wife.

Fortunately, this poll came out today, and this one. If John Edwards manages to win Iowa, it may put him on the road to sweeping the nation a la Kerry, allowing Democrats to breathe a sigh of relief that we did not nominate someone whom half the country won't vote for at a time when the Democrats are on a roll.

I can dream can I? As the old saying goes...never underestimate the Democrats' ability to completely blow it.

Strength and Bravery

If there was ever any doubt that John Edwards was a strong, brave man, it was eliminated today.

If you turn off the sound at today's news conference, you would never be able to tell that it was about bad news. The way John and Elizabeth Edwards conducted the press conference, it almost seemed as if they were talking to members of their own family or a group of friends. They made us feel confident and optimistic of Mrs. Edwards' condition. It was easy to picture a President Edwards speaking to a nervous nation in the event of natural disaster or national calamity, should there ever be one. I always thought John Edwards' leadership ability was underestimated, and I wasn't the least bit surprised by their actions at today's press conference.

Some may argue that Edwards is being selfish or cares more about political ambition that his own family, but in the eyes of Elizabeth, John's campaign is just as if he was a construction worker going to the job site everyday or a store owner opening and closing his store. This is the life they signed up for. Elizabeth said it wonderfully when she said we need to get this election right and she believes her husband is the right choice and while that is debatable, you have to admire her passion. This is not about her husband's ambition; this is about the country, the nation. Some may say family comes first, but these people are not politicians (at least the good politicians,) the people who dedicate their lives to serve their country. Some serve in the military, others in public office, many in both, this is John's dedication…to his country. I am sure John would have dropped out of this race without a blink of an eye if Elizabeth had asked him too, and I personally believe John thought about it even after Elizabeth told him to go on.

Will he win? I think he still has a chance. If he does well in Iowa, he can easily overtake Clinton and Obama, who by the way both showed class today by putting get-well messages to Elizabeth Edwards on the front page of their websites. If not during the primary, I'm sure his wife's condition would become an issue in the general election. I'd love to see Ann Coulter's face now; I'm sure she'd feel terrible if she had an ounce of empathy in her heartless body.

If Senator Edwards and his wife can stare Stage IV cancer in the eyes, laugh, and fight it with every ounce of their being, imagine what he would do with terrorists. He is far from a defeatist, cut and run liberal pacifist, he is a brave, courageous, strong and selfless leader.

God Bless You Mrs. Edwards

Cancer is a pandemic that all of us know to well. We all have mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, wives, husbands, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and other people close to us who have survived or succumbed to cancer.

Cancer is an equal opportunity infector. It can affect the rich and the poor, the black and the white, Republicans and Democrats.

Elizabeth Edwards is another face, joining the millions upon millions of others who have been affected by this disease.

On Ann Coulter

I don't even want to give this so-called human being the benefit of the doubt by dedicating a whole post on her, but anyone who just randomly calls a Presidential candidate a name with no point of reference for calling him that should not be taken seriously.

If John Edwards was gay, it would be bad enough that she called him a "faggot," but at least she would have some frame of reference to use the world. She would've attacked a truth, albeit in a vulgar way, but the former Senator is not a homosexual, so why use the world. It was a cheap shot at somebody who is not even making headlines. It was something a 14 year-old spoiled rich brat would say...so as I would say to a 14 year-old spoiled rich princess from New Canaan, Connecticut who calls shoots her mouth off...shut the hell up! (No offense to 14 year old girls from New Canaan...loving you)

Ann Coulter, like the entire right wing at the moment, is just plain desperate. The best they have is a liberal former mayor of a liberal city and they're scared the fascist base they tried hard to build during this administration by scaring the country ignorant is falling apart...which it is.